Abstract
To estimate risk behavior and HIV program reach among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Myanmar, we conducted cross-sectional
surveys in four cities (Yangon, Mandalay, Pathein, Monywa) using respondent-driven sampling (RDS). Prevention response indicators
across the cities ranged from 56 to 70 % testing for HIV and receiving results last year, 89–100 % identifying ways of preventing
transmission, 50–95 % rejecting misconceptions about HIV, and 82–94 % using a condom at last anal sex. MSM in smaller cities
had similar or higher use of programs compared those in larger cities. MSM classified as Ah Chawk Ma (broadly feminine gender
presentation) reported having more sex partners, less consistent condom use, and more frequent history of sexually transmitted
infections compared to those described as Tha Ngwe (broadly masculine gender presentation). Our behavioral survey data help
advocate for appropriate services and form a baseline to gauge future impact of the HIV response for this marginalized population.
surveys in four cities (Yangon, Mandalay, Pathein, Monywa) using respondent-driven sampling (RDS). Prevention response indicators
across the cities ranged from 56 to 70 % testing for HIV and receiving results last year, 89–100 % identifying ways of preventing
transmission, 50–95 % rejecting misconceptions about HIV, and 82–94 % using a condom at last anal sex. MSM in smaller cities
had similar or higher use of programs compared those in larger cities. MSM classified as Ah Chawk Ma (broadly feminine gender
presentation) reported having more sex partners, less consistent condom use, and more frequent history of sexually transmitted
infections compared to those described as Tha Ngwe (broadly masculine gender presentation). Our behavioral survey data help
advocate for appropriate services and form a baseline to gauge future impact of the HIV response for this marginalized population.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Category Original Paper
- Pages 1-9
- DOI 10.1007/s10461-012-0232-z
- Authors
- Tin Aung, Population Services International Myanmar, Yangon, Myanmar
- Willi McFarland, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Ehthi Paw, Population Services International Myanmar, Yangon, Myanmar
- John Hetherington, Population Services International Myanmar, Yangon, Myanmar
- Journal AIDS and Behavior
- Online ISSN 1573-3254
- Print ISSN 1090-7165